The Charming Maine General Store That's Been Open Since Before The Civil War
By Michelle|Published November 11, 2020
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Maine towns might lack skyscrapers and other things that come with large cities, but what we do have far outweighs any of that. We’ve got character, history, and plenty of quaint spots to visit! And many of them are simply part of everyday life here in Vacationland. This general store comes with plenty of history and it’s a center of the community in the town that it calls home.
Head to the small town of Hope in Knox County and there's a good chance you'll find yourself at the Hope General Store. As a hub of the community, this historic shop plays an important role here in town — and it's been doing it since it was opened in 1832.
While Hope General Store has been around since 1932, it's been continually operating since 1990. It's changed hands just a few times and today you'll find Damon McClure
and Simone-Claire Girard Delevett at the helm.
The town of Hope has been around for more than 200 years. While once just a small hamlet outside of Camden and Rockland, South Hope became more accessible when Route 17 linked it to Rockland. Hope Village, where you'll find the general store, remained a bit more remote, accessible by the rural Route 105.
Today, it's just as much the community center it was back then. Offering a place for locals to grab a quick snack or a full meal, it's possible that some people have spent more time here than any other place outside their home.
Hope General Store is worth a visit! Just be sure to come hungry and curious so you can leave with a tasty meal or snack and maybe even one of the homemade crafts they sell.
The Hope General Store is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can learn more about the store by following them on Facebook. And if you have questions you can give them a call on 207-763-2816.
